DESCRIPTION: PIC-ICD2-TINY is the world's lowest cost PIC ICD2 debugger and programmer, with only 55 x 55 mm (2.16 x 2.16") dimensions and only 30gr weight (without ICSP cable and packing) this little device fits in your pocket and is very convenient to carry with you when you work in field. PIC-ICD2-TINY is completely replacement of Microchip's original MPBA-ICD2 and with it you can do everything you can do with the original MPLAB-ICD2, the only difference is that PIC-ICD2-TINY have only RS232 port to connect with PC and provides only fixed Vpp voltage. PIC-ICD2-TINY is a low cost, real-time debugger and programmer for selected PIC® MCUs and dsPIC® DSCs. Programs can be downloaded, executed in real time and examined in detail with the debug functions of MPLAB. Set watch variables and breakpoints from symbolic labels in C or assembly source code, and single step through C source lines or into assembly code. PIC-ICD2-TINY can also be used as a development programmer for supported MCUs. The secret behind In Circuit Debugging is two dedicated hardware lines (microcontroller pins used only during debugging mode) that control In Circuit Serial Programming™ (ICSP™) of the device and, afterwards, debugging through proprietary, on-chip firmware. The ICD 2 debug features are built into the microcontroller and activated by programming the debug code into the target processor. There is some shared overhead expense that includes one stack level, some general purpose file registers and a small area of program memory.

Important:power supply should be in range 16-18VDC. Please double check your wallwart adapter voltage supply, some adapters have bigger voltage when not loaded and can damage PIC-ICD2-TINY.

Note: PIC-ICD2 / PIC-ICD2-POCKET have variable voltage Vpp, while on PIC-ICD2-TINY the Vpp is set firm to +13VDC, PIC18F2XX0/2X21/2XX5/4XX0/4X21/4XX5 programming specifications doesn't allow more than +12.5VDC on Vpp (this is the reason they are not supported by Picstart+ which have also have fixed Vpp voltage) and PIC-ICD2-TINY may damage them if connected directly! Simple solution is to use diode drop circuit.

For these who prefer to not read the MPLAB-ICD2 datasheets, but wonder why MPLAB refuse to work with the standard COM settings: COM port should be set with HARDWARE FLOW CONTROL and FIFO buffers DISABLED!

SOFTWARE:

MPLAB-IDE - you can download the latest version from Microchip's web site. VERY IMPORTANT MPLAB 8.XX have bug and once upgraded you will not be able to use PIC-ICD2-TINY andymore as this bug affects RS232 communiaction, so do not use MPLAB 8.XX until Microchip fix it's bug

FAQ:Q: What's the difference between PIC-ICD2-TINY and MPLAB-ICD2 (PIC-ICD2)?A: There is no functional difference between them and PIC-ICD2-TINY, but PIC-ICD2-TINY have 3 differences: 1. TINY uses different the ICSP connector - Microchip uses RJ45 phone jack connector, we use 0.1" step; 2. TINY have only RS232 connector for connection to PC host, this makes the debug and programming slower; 3. TINY uses fixed 13V Vpp voltage and on some PICs Vpp should not exceed 12.5V so one diode should be connected serially to MCLR in this case to cause voltage drop to 12.4V.

Q: What should I know when connect PIC-ICD2-TINY to target board.A: It's very important your target PIC MCLR to not be connected directly to VCC! During the programming/debugging MCLR goes as high as 13VDC and if your target MCLR is connected directly to target VCC you will blow either PIC-ICD2-TINY either your target board. Use always 10K pullup resistor from MCLR to VCC.

Q: What should I know when work PIC-ICD2 and RS232 port .A: COM port should be set with HARDWARE FLOW CONTROL and FIFO buffers DISABLED!